The TTCF recently held its inaugural Invitational Christmas Hamper Tournament on December 18, 2011, at NALIS in Port of Spain. The tournament saw nineteen (19) juniors competing for prizes in two categories: Open and Novice Section. Players competed in the 5-round tournament with a 25 minute time control per player and pairings conducted under the swiss system.

In the Open category, there was a tie for first place between Andre Sims and Iqwe Craig, who each finished on 4 1/2 points. The top two players then engaged in a playoff match to decide who would earn the first prize, with Mr. Sims emerging triumphant and taking away a turkey hamper. Mikel Martin finished on 3 points and received a hamper as the lone third place finisher .

The Novice section was also highly competitive with another tie for first place. Reece Singh and Leanne Walcott drew level on 3 1/2 points after 5 rounds and settled the tie with another playoff which saw Mr. Singh taking the top Novice title and the turkey hamper. The first place finishers were closely followed by Marielle Sims, Althena Martin and Tevin John, who all finished on 3 points. With one more hamper at stake, the three players engaged in a playoff. Marielle Sims defeated her challenges to take the third place hamper.

This first edition of the Invitational Christmas Chess Tournament brought a memorable end to 2011, and the TTCF hopes to establish it as an annual event with the kind support of sponsors, parents and enthusiastic junior chessists.